Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements he is making with the Higher Education Authority and the third level sector to cater for the increasing demand for places; if his attention has been drawn to the latest reports that show a substantial jump in the number of CAO applicants; if he will increase funding for third level in line with growing student numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42529/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The increase of 8% in overall CAO acceptances this year, following on from last year's increase of 6%, is a clear signal of the strong demand for higher education in Ireland.

My Department has invested significantly in higher education in recent years with funding of some €2 billion being allocated this year to the sector which includes recurrent and capital funding. Nonetheless, in light of reductions in budgets combined with increased expectations in terms of places in higher education there is a shared understanding across the sector of the need to ensure that maximum value is achieved from existing resources. In that regard the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is working closely with the institutions to effect economies across all levels of activity. The commitment of the institutions themselves to accommodating current increased demand at a time of significant budgetary pressures is very welcome.

As the Deputy is aware, the process to develop a new national strategy for higher education is now underway which affords a timely opportunity to review the environment for higher education and the challenges and changes that are impacting on the sector. An examination of the overall operational, governance and resourcing framework are important elements of the strategy review. The process will consider objectives for participation in higher education as a key aspect of its work.